Water-retaining recreational structure for swimming pools and the like



Sept. 27, 1966 J. DIEMOND ETAL 3,274,621

WATER-RETAINING RECREATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND THE LIKE 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 27. 1965 INVENTORS HENRY L.SUNDBERG JR. JOSEPH DIEMOND MELVIN Y GERSHMAN NORBERT A. VANGSNESS ATTORNEY Sept. 27, 19 J. DIEMOND ETAL WATER-RETAINING RECREATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND THE LIKE 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 27. 1965 INVENTORS HENRY L. SUNDBERG JR.

JOSEPH DIEMOND MELVIN Y. GERSHMAN NORBERT A. VANGSNESS FIG 2 ATToRNE Y Sept. 27, 1966 J. DIEMOND ETAL 3,274,621

WATER-RETAINING RECREATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND THE LIKE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 27, 1965 FIG. 4a

INVENTORS HENRY L. SUNDBERG JOSEPH DIEMOND MELVIN Y. GERSHMANN gIQRBERT J. VANGSNESS ATTORNEY p 7, 966 .1. DIEMOND ETAL 3,274,621

WATER-RETAINING RECREATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND THE LIKE Filed Dec. 27, 1965 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 F/GI 5 INVENTORS JOSEPH DIEMOND MELVIN Y GERSHMAN NORBERT A. VANGSNESS HENRY'L. SUNDBERG JR.

ATTORNEY Sept. 27, 1966 J. DIEMOND ETAL WATER-RETAINING RECREATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND THE LIKE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 27, 1965 INVENTORS JOSEPH DIEMOND MELVIN Y. GERSHMAN NORBERT A. VANGSNESS HENRY L. SUNDBERG JR ATTORNEY Sept. 27, 1966 J. DIEMOND ETAL WATER-RETAINING RECREATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND THE LIKE 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Dec. 27, 1965 FIG. 8

JOSEPH DIEMOND MELVIN Y. GERSHMAN NORBERT A.VANGSNESS HENRY L. SUNDBERG JR.

ATTORNEY Sept. 27, 1 J. DIEMOND ETAL WATER-RETAINING RECREATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND THE LIKE 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Dec. 27, 1965 FIG.

INVENTORS HENRY L. SUNDBERG JR. JOSEPH DIEMOND MELVIN GERSHMAN NORBERT A. VANGSNESS BY %%A ATTORNEY WATER-RETAINING RECREATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND THE LIKE P 1966 I J. DIEMOND ETAL 3,274,621

Filed Dec. 27, 1965 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTORS JOSEPH DIEMOND MELVIN Y. GERSHMAN NORBERT A. VANGSNESS HENRY L. SUNDBERG JR.

ATTORNEY United States Patent WATER-RETAINING RECREATIDNAL STRUC- TURE FOR SWING POOLS AND THE LIKE Joseph Diemond, Simsbury, and Melvin Y. Gershman, West Hartford, Conn and Henry L. Suudberg, JL, and Norbert A. Vangsness, Longmeadow, Mass., assignors to Coleen Industries, Inc., Hartford, Conn., 21 corporation of Connecticut Filed Dec. 27, 1965, Ser. No. 516,287 21 Claims. ((11. 4-472) The present invention relates to water-retaining recreational structures and, more particularly, to a novel assembly of the type having a flexible liner supported by a peripheral frame adapted to provide a swimming pool, hockey rink and the like.

Prefabricated pools of the type employing a flexible liner and a relatively rigid metal frame have enjoyed substantial acceptance in producing above-ground pools for use by families and organizations at considerably lower cost and with considerably greater ease than possible with concrete or other masonry pools which generally extend substantially below ground. Such pools have the advantages of being readily disassembled and of being portable to new locations and are also readily maintained and repaired.

Generally, such pools have assumed a rectangular configuration such as illustrated in Hooper United States Patents No. 1,740,605 and No. 1,742,313 and Phillips United States Patent No. 1,753,427; or a circular configuration such as illustrated in Arnold United States Patent No. 2,939,153 and Friedlander et al. United'States Patent No. 2,989,757. It has also been proposed to use an oval con-figuration as illustrated by Hooper United States Patent No. 1,786,616. Of the various designs, the circular configuration has enjoyed extremely widespread application because of the fact the pressures of the water upon the frame may be more readily withstood by avoiding points of excess stress, thus facilitating construction and minimizing cost and problems in erection. As a result, circular pools of relatively large diameter have become more prevalent in an effort to provide larger family pools.

To achieve a longer swimming length, the width of such a circular pool is also necessarily increased, which may be undesirable both in terms of cost and in terms of the overall area required for the pool. Although an oval pool configuration would permit such elongation without increase in width, it is generally required that extensive reinforcing be provided at spaced points along the sides to resist the pressures upon the framework as illustrated in the aforementioned Hooper United States Patent No. 1,786,- 613.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel water-retaining recreational structure of elongated configuration which is easily assembled and highly rugged in construction.

It is also an object to provide such a water-retaining recreational structure which is readily adaptable to variation in design to provide cross sections of various curvilinear patterns, thus enabling separate diving wells, wading areas, etc.

Another object is to provide such a water-retaining recreational structure having a rugged frame assembly of great strength capable of withstanding pressures upon the peripheral wall exerted by volumes of water of relatively great height.

Still another object is to provide a frame assembly for a waterretaining recreational structure which may be readily assembled, which is relatively economical and simplc to manufacture and which will ensure relatively long life and low maintenance.

3,274,621 Patented Sept. 27, 1966 "ice Other objects and advantages will be readily apparent from the following detailed specification and claims and the attached drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a water-retaining recreational structure embodying the present invention with portions thereof illustrated in phantom line and other portions below ground level indicated in dotted line;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary sectional view to an enlarged scale along the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary sectional view along the line 33 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary exploded view of the vertical support, horizontal suport, locking and cover members at the top portion of one of the intersections of the two circular components;

FIGURE 4a is a fragmentary perspective view to an enlarged scale of the frame assembly at a point other than the intersection of the two vertical components;

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of the water-retaining recreational structure of FIGURE 1 with a portion of the frame, liner and ground broken away to reveal the constructure of the rods and connectors, which are exaggerated in size for purposes of illustration;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of another water-retaining recreational structure embodying the present invention with portions thereof illustrated in phantom line;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary perspective view to an enlarged scale of the elements at the intersection of the circular components with portions thereof broken away for clarity of illustration;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of still another Waterretaining recreational structure embodying the present invention;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary perspective view to an enlarged scale of the elements at the intersection of the circular components with the deck member removed and portions thereof broken away for clarity of illustration;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a water-retaining recreational structure embodying the present invention;

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary perspective view to an enlarged scale of the elements at the intersection of the circular components with portions thereof broken away or in section for clarity of illustration and with the cover exploded therefrom;

FIGURE 12 is a plan view of a further pool embodying the present invention with portions thereof illustrated in phantom line; and

FIGURE 13 is a plan view of a still further water- -retaining recreational structure embody-ing the present invention with positions thereof illustrated in phantom line.

It has now been found that the foregoing and related objects can be readily attained in a water-retaining recreational structure having a curvilinear peripheral configuration defined by a plurality of generally circular components intersecting at apices where the chords extending between the apices defined by the points of intersection are of lesser length than the diameter of the intersecting circular components. The recreational structure has a liner member of flexible relatively waterproof sheet material providing a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion extending about the periphery of the bottom wall portion, and a relatively rigid, generally vertical support panel extends about the periphery of the liner side wall portion closely adjacent thereto so as to provide a relatively rigid horizontal support therefor on the curvilinear peripheral configuration. A plurality of elongated horizontal support members extend in end-to-end relationship about the liner member in the curvilinear configuration, and vertical support members at the intersections of the circular components extend vertically along the outer surface of the support panel. Engaging the adjacent ends of the horizontal support members and the vertical support members at the intersections to provide a firm assembly thereof are coupling means or elements and the horizontal support members diverge outwardly from the vertical support members to form the walls of the circular components. Means are provided at the vertical support members at the intersections to compensate against the pressures thereon.

The coupling means for engaging the adjacent ends of the horizontal support members and the vertical support members conveniently may take the form of an element with a body portion engaged with the vertical post and a pair of diverging arm portions which telescopically receive the end portions of the horizontal support members. It can be seen that the connectors for the horizontal support members may, however, comprise element-s permanently or releasably afiixed to the vertical support members at the intersections. Various structural arrangements may be employed either individually or collectively to effect the desired coupling of the horizontal support members and the vertical support members at the intersections so that the horizontal support members are firmly engaged therewith and diverge outwardly therefrom.

The compensating means provided at the vertical support members at the intersections to compensate against the pressure thereon which would tend to produce deformation or warping thereof may take a number of forms. In its preferred aspect, an extremely rugged assembly is provided by utilizing vertical support members of relatively great strength, which extend below the bottom horizontal support members of the structure and into the ground therebelow. At or adjacent the lower end thereof, a compression coupling is provided between the vertical support members at the opposed points of intersection and tension coupling means are provided therebetween at a point spaced upwardly therefrom but also below the base horizontal support members. In other embodiments, the compensating means may be provided by a single member extending between the vertical support members at the intersections, or by utilizing a bracing or buttressing arrangement extending outwardly from the vertical support members at the intersections to support the vertical support member intermediate the height thereof or along the entire length thereof, or by the combination thereof. Straps, chains, rods, tubes and various metal members such as I-beams, or combinations thereof, may be used to tie the vertical support members at the opposed points of intersection so as to allow them to function as a unit in resisting the pressures upon the structure. Such members used to tie the vertical support members at the opposed points of intersection, whether functioning in compression or in tension, are referred to herein as tie means, and such tie means includes tension and compression members whether used singly or jointly. In still another embodiment the vertical support members at the intersections may simply comprise posts of relatively greater length which extend below the base horizontal support members into the ground so as to derive support therefrom in resisting deformation and such members are most desirably coupled with external bracing or buttressing extending outwardly therefrom.

In accordance with the present invention the curvilinear configuration for the structure may be provided by two, three, four or even more generally circular components which intersect in the manner heretofore described. For example, when utilizing two circular components, they are arranged in a generally Figure-8 pattern. Three circular components may be arranged with their centers aligned or in a trilobal pattern wherein a line drawn be tween the centers forms a triangle. Four circular components may be arranged in a tetralobal configuration or arranged with their centers in alignment for an elongated configuration or in a generally trilobal arrangement with URES 1-5 illustrate an embodiment of the present invention particularly adapted to retaining a relatively deep and wide body of water. As can be seen in FIGURE 5, the peripheral configuration is curvilinear and defined by two generally circular components A, B which intersect at the points or apic'es C, D to provide a Figure 8 outline. The chords extending between the apices C, D defined by the points of intersection are smaller than the diameters of the circular components A, B, and the overall length of the structure is about 1 /3 times the diameter of the circular components.

In accordance with conventional construction, the pool utilizes a liner member generally designated by the numeral 2 and fabricated from flexible, waterproof synthetic plastic sheet material to provide a bottom Wall portion 4 and a side wall portion 6 extending about the periphery thereof. Extending about the outer periphery of the side wall portion 6 of the liner member 2 is a side wall panel 8 which is closely adjacent thereto to provide relatively rigid horizontal support against the pressure of the water in the structure and pressures occurring during use. The side Wall panel *8 is illustrated as a single length of coilable corrugated sheet metal providing substantial rigidity and has its ends joined by a connecting member (not shown). However, a plurality of panels may be employed if so desired. The upper edge of the liner side wall portion 6 is folded over the upper edge of the side Wall panel 8 and secured thereon by the channel-shaping coping 10 of semi-rigid synthetic plastic material which is preattached thereto and dimensioned to frictionally bear upon the surfaces of the side wall panel 8 through the material of the liner2. A channel-shaped steel coping strip '12 fits snugly over the coping strip 10 to secure it in place and stiffens the upper edge of the side wall panel 8.

The side wall panel '8 is aligned and secured against movement by a plurality of lower horizontal support members or base rails extending in end-to-end relationship about the base thereof and generally designated by the numeral 14 and wider upper horizontal support members or top rails extending in end-to-end relationship about the upper end thereof .and generally designated by the numeral 16. The base rail-s 14 are of generally arcuate shape so as to conform the circular components A, B, and have inner and outer side wall portions 18, 20 and upper and lower wall portions 22, 24. The upper wall portion 22 extends inwardly from the outer side wall portion 20 and terminates at a point spaced from the inner side wall portion 18 to provide a channel 26 which receives the lower edge portion of the side wall panel 8. To rigidity the upper wall portion 22 and provide firmer support for the side wall panel 8, the upper wall portion 22 has a depending flange 28 at its free end.

Except at the intersections C, D of the circular components A and B, the end portions of adjacent base rails 14 are telescopicially received and held in alignment by aligning or looking elements generally designated by the numeral 30 which have a body portion 32 and laterally extending arm portions 34, 36. The body portion 32 is of greater radial width than the arm portions 34, 36 and provides a relatively large upwardly opening aperture (not shown) for a purpose to be described hereinafter. The arm portions 34, 36 are formed so as to provide generally tubular enclosures which slidably receive the end portions of the base rails 14 and an upwardly opening channel 38 adjacent the inner end thereof extending through the entire length of the locking element 30 and into which is fitted the side wall panel 8.

Cooperating with the base locking elements 30 are a plurality of vertical support members or posts generally designated by the numeral 40 and of generally U-shaped configuration. The posts 40 'hawe generally parallel side wall portions 42 connected by an outer wall or web portion 44 and seat in the apertures (not shown) of the looking element body portion 32. To lock the base rails 14 firmly in position, the components are cooperatively d1- mensioned so that the end portions of the rails 14 extend inwardly of the locking element body portion 32 and are provided with slots 48 in the outer side wall portion 20 and upper wall portion 22 thereof which receive the side wall portions 42 of the posts 40. The outer wall portion 44 of the post 40 butts against the outer wall of the locking element body portion 32 and is desirably secured thereto by suitable disengageable fastening means 46 such as a sheet metal screw. In a preferred embodiment, deflectable fingers (not shown) are staked from the side wall portions 42 and extend outwardly and upwardly therefrom so as to abut against the under surface of the upper wall portions 22 of the base rails 14 to restrain the posts 40 from relative vertical movement. At the upper end, the posts 40 are capped by seating plates or members 50 which are secured thereto by any suitable means.

The top rails or horizontal support members 1 6 are generally rectilinear along their length and have a reversely bent inner side wall portion 52 which provides a shoulder against which the steel coping strip 12 may bear to provide lateral support for the side wall panel 8 and liner 2. The outer side wall portion 54 of the top rails 16 curves downwardly and inwardly and terminates in an inwardly extending L-shaped flange which provides a relatively rigid element and a seating surface without sharp edges for users of the structure. The upper ends of the posts 40 fit snugly into the channels between the inner and outer side wall portions 52, 54 to form a snug fit therein with the sidewall panel 8, liner side wall portion 6 and coping elements 10, 12. Except at the intersections C and D, the top rails 16 have their ends cut at an angle to conform generally to the radius of the circular components A and B so that the ends of the adjacent rails may abut evenly along a straight line and so that each rail 16 forms the chord of a circle about the liner side wall portion 6.

Overlying the end portion of abutting top rails 16 at the posts 40 are looking plates generally designated by the numerical 60 which have two pairs of depending leg portions or retaining elements 62 with horizontally extending arm portions 64 therebetween at each side thereof. Each locking plate 60 straddles the junction between two adjacent top rails 16 and each pair of depending leg portions 62 at each side passes through one of two apertures 69 in each of the adjacent top rails 16 to hold the top rails 16 in alignment. A V-shaped groove 66 in the bottom surface of the locking plate 60 seats on longitudinally extending ribs 68 on each of the adjacent top rails 16 for aligning the locking plates 60 thereon. The depending leg portions 62 are received in a pair of aligned, elongated apertures 70 on each side of the seating plates 50 on the posts 40 which also receive a pair of leg portions or retaining elements 72 formed from the top wall portion of the top rail 16 to provide the apertures 69 and depend therefrom adjacent the apertures 69. The leg portions 62, 72 and apertures 70 are dimensioned to provide a snug assembly and thus secure the top nails 16 in horizontal alignment on the posts 40. Self-tapping sheet metal screws 74 disposed in spaced apertures 76 in the looking plate 60 and extending through the apertures 69 of the top rails 16 are engaged in the apertures 78 of the seating plate 50 to retain the locking plate 60 and the two adjacent top rails 16 in engagement with the seating plate 50 and the posts 40.

Ove-rlying the locking plates 60 and the abutting end portions of adjacent top rail members 16 are a pair of overlapping outer and inner cover members 80 and 82 which are 6 provided at each of the posts 40. The outer cover member has a depending inwardly curved outer side wall portion '84 which flexibly engages the curved side wall portions 54 of the adjacent top rails -16. A flange portion 86 depends from the end of the curved side wall portion 84 so that its inner surface abuts against the outer wall 44 of the post 40 and a self-tapping sheet metal screw 88 looks in apertures in the iflange 8 6 and outer side wall portion 44, thereby securing the outer cover member 80 to the post 40.

The inner cover member 82 has a depressed portion 90 which is overlapped by the outer cover member '80 so as to provide a substantially flush surface and a side wall portion 92 thereon has an inwardly extending lip portion 94 at the free end thereof engaged with the top rail side wall portion 52 so that the inner element 82 is restrained from vertical movement on the top rail 16. The cover members 80, 82 have depending flanges along their side edges which interfit to limit relative horizontal movement and provide a neat appearance and which have notches therein which receive the arm portions 64 of the locking plate 60 to prevent relative horizontal movement.

A threaded fastener 96 is disposed in the aperture 98 in the outer cover member 80 and extends through the aligned elongated aperture 100 in the inner cover member 82 and through the aperture 102 in the locking plate 60 and through the notched-out portions 104 in the ends of the top rails 16, or therebetween depending upon the spacing, to engage in the nut 106 in the center portion of the seating plate 50. IIn this manner, the several members are releasably but firmly engaged in assembly.

At the intersections C and D of the circular components A and B, the adjacent top rails 16a, 16b and base rails 14a, 14b are interconnected by vertical apex posts generally designated by the numeral 110 of greater strength illustrated as an I-beam with inner and outer flanges 1112, 11 4 and a connecting web portion 116. As seen in FIG- U-RES 1-3, the apex post 1 10 is of greater height than the side wall panel 8 and extends below the base rails 14 into the ground, preferably to a distance of about one-third the overall height thereof. At its lower end, the apex post 110 has a stabilizing bar 11 8 which projects laterally to either side thereof and is affixed to the outer flange 114 by bolts 120. Braces 122 extend diagonally upwardly from the outer ends of the stabilizing bar 118 and connect to the web portion 116 of the post 110 at a point above the base rail 14 and thereby the ground. Affixed to the outer flange 114 of the apex post 110 at a point spaced upwardly from the stabilizing bar 118 and adjacent but below the base rail 14 is a tension bar bnacket 124 which projects a short distance to either side thereof.

The base rails 14 are engaged with the apex post 110 by bracket assemblies generally designated by the numeral 126 on either side of the web portion 116 and each provided by a generally L-shaped bracket 128 and a locator element 130 disposed thereabove, both elements being secured to the web portion 116 of the apex post 110 by bolt fasteners 131. The locator element 130 is spaced a short distance above the laterally extending arm of the bracket 1 2 8 and has a mounting flange portion 132 disposed against the bracket portion and the web portion 116. An arm portion 134 extends from the outer end of the flange portion 132 and has its end bent inwardly so as to conform to the angle of and seat within the slot 48 of the base rail 14. The inner free edge of the laterally extending arm of the bracket 128 is bent upwardly and provides a deflectable lock engaging behind the inner side wall portion 18 of the base rail 16, thus providing firm location of the base rails 14 and locking thereof against relatively horizontal movement. As can be seen, the base rails 14a and 14b thus may be identical to the rest of the base rails 14 so as to be fully interchangeable therewith.

At the upper end of the apex post 110 are top rail locators of generally L-shaped configuration which are secured to either side of the web portion '116 by bolt fasteners 142. The laterally projecting arms 144 each 7 have a pair of spaced and aligned apertures i146 adjacent the web portion 116 and a pair of spaced and aligned elongated apertures 148 adjacent the free end thereof. In this instance, the top rails 16a, 16b are cut into generally V-shaped configurations so that the outer legs of the V- shaped cuts butt together to provide an outwardly opening V-shaped joint therebetween. Thus, the top rail members 1 6a, 16b are not interchangeable with the rest of the top rail members 1 6.

The locating plate 60 is assembled similarly to those at the posts 40 with the leg portions 72a, 72b of the rails 16a, 16b and the leg portions 62 of the locking plates 60 firmly and .snugly seating Within the elongated apertures 148 of the locator elements 140. The threaded fasteners 74 seat in the inner apertures 76 of the locking plate 60 and extend through the apertures 69a, 69b of the rails 16a, 16b to lock in the inner apertures 146 of the locator elements .140. Overlying and covering the entire assembly is an apex cover plate 150 which has front and rear wall portions :152 and side Wall portions 154 configured so as to snugly fit over the top rails 16. Threaded fasteners 1156 seat in apertures 158 therein and extend through the outer apertures 76 in the locking plate 60 and the apertures 69 of the top rails 16a, 16b to seat in the outer apertures 146 of the locator elements 140. In this manner, the top rails 16a, 1612 are firmly and aesthetically engaged to the apex post 110 in a rugged assembly.

To resist stresses and pressures applied against the apex posts 1110 at the intersections C and D of the circular components A and B, the posts 110 are joined together as a working unit. Extending between the lower ends of the apex posts 110 are a pair of compression bars 160, 162 of tubular configuration which are threadably joined by an internally threaded coupling 164 and which have their ends fitted onto a generally circular boss 1 66 bolted to the inner flange 112 at the base of the apex posts 1610. Extending between each laterally extending arm portion of the tension bar brackets 124 the apex posts 110 are a pair of tension bars 168, 170 which are threadably engaged to the brackets 124 and coupled at their opposed ends by the threaded coupling elements 172 so as to provide an adjustable connection therebetween.

In assembling the embodiment of FIGURES 1-5, the centers of the two circular components A and B are first located and a line is extended therebetween. The midpoint along this line at which the circular components A and B will intersect is then determined and the points of intersection to either side are located where the apex posts 110 will be placed. The stabilizing bar 118 is assembled to the base of the apex posts 110 by the bolts 120 and the braces 122 are thereafter attached. The circular boss 166 for locating the compression bars 160, 162 are attached to the bases of the apex posts 110, and the bracket assemblies 126 and top rail locators are also fastened thereto. The compression bars .160, 162 are then threaded into the coupling 164 until they butt.

Holes are then dug for the apex assemblies to the desired depth and a trench of equivalent depth is dug therebetween. The apex posts 110 are inserted into the holes prepared therefor, and the compression bars 160, 162 are then inserted into the trench and fitted onto the bosses [166 at the bases of the apex posts 110. The apex posts 110 are now checked to ensure that they are perfectly vertical and of equal height conveniently by placing a plank therebetWeen and locating a level thereon. -Adjustments may be required and may be made easily by removing earth from one side or the other until the desired leveled condition is obtained. Stakes are desirably provided to hold the apex posts 110 in proper alignment, and some dirt is introduced into the trench and into the bottom of the hole about the apex posts 110 and thereafter t-amped.

The tension bars 166, 168 are threaded through the tension bar brackets 124 which then are located in the proper position on the apexposts 110 and secured thereto by fasteners. The tension bar couplings 172 are then tightened on the ends of the tension bars 167, 170 until the desired tension is obtained therein, it being important that the tension in both tension bars be susbtantially the same to avoid torque on the apex posts 110. Dirt is then placed in the trench and about the apex posts to the desired. height.

The base rails 14a, 14b are attached to the bracket assemblies 126 on the apex posts 110 by fitting the slots 48 in the base rails 14 over the end portions of the locator elements 130 until fully seated and the upturned lip on the bracket 128 has seated therebehind. The remaining base rails 14 are then assembled in end-to-end relationship with the base locking elements 30 to define the curvilinear outline of the pool. The side wall panel 8 is then uncoiled and seated into the channels 26 and 38 of the base rails 14 and base locking elements 30 respectively and the overlapping ends thereof secured together by fastening means (not shown). The posts 40 are then inserted into the base locking elements 30 so as to engage in the slots 48 in the base rails 14 and are secured to the locking elements 30 by the fasteners 46. Desirably, a layer of sifted dirt is placed around'the bot-tom of the pool to protect the liner from injury by the base rails 14. The liner 2 is then mounted by fitting the coping 10 over the upper edge of the side wall panel 8 and securing it thereto by the steel coping '12.

The top rails 16a, 16b are now assembled to the apex posts 110 by seating the depending leg portions 72a, 72b in the apertures 148 of the top rail locators 140. The locking plates 60 are inserted .thereover with the leg portions 62 thereof extending therethrough and fitting into the elongated apertures 148 of the top rail locators 140. The fasteners 74 in the rear apertures 76 lock the top rails 16a, 16b to the apex posts 110. The rest of the top rails 16 are readily assembled to the posts 40 about the remainder of the circular components A and B in endto-end relationship by similarly inserting the leg portions 72 into the elongated apertures 70 of the seating plates 50, placing the locking plates 60 thereon, and securing the locking plate and rails in assembly by the fasteners '74. The apex cover plates v150 and the outer and inner cover members 80, 82 are assembled over the locking plates 60 to complete the installation.

Thus, it can be seen that the assembly is readily erected and adjusted to ensure maximum structural strength. The tension and compression bars are disassemblable for shipping and storage and the tension bars are adjustable to obtain proper act-ion in cooperation with the compression bars.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGURES 6 and 7, the construction is generally identical to that in FIG- URES 1-5 except at the intersections C and D of the circular components. The apex posts in this embodiment are generally designated by the numeral 211 and are channel-shaped steel members ,with the channel opening outwardly. The lower end of the apex post 211 fits between the side walls of the body portion 203 of the bottom rail connector generally designated by the numeral 201. The connector 201 also has generally tubular arm portions 205 which telescopically receive the end portions of the base rails 21 4a, 214b and provide channels 207 'which align with the channels 226 in the base rails 214a, 214b and receive the side wall panel 208. The bottom rail connectors 201 and apex posts 211 are secured in assembly by the fasteners 209.

The top rails 216a, 216b are joined to the apex post 211 by a structural assembly essentially similar to that employed for the rails 16 at the posts 40 in the embodiment of FIGURES 1-5, the exceptions being that the top rails 216a, 216b have their ends cut into a generally V -shaped configuration as in the instance of the top rails 16a, 16b and that the configuration of the cover members 80, 82 is slightly altered to accommodate the altered angular relationship.

In this embodiment, the apex posts 211 are buttressed by an assembly including a diagonal member 255 which extends diagonally outwardly and downwardly from approximately the midpoint thereof and is received between the outer ends of a pair of horizontal members 256, 257. The several members 255, 256 and 257 are fastened together by a length of tubing 258 which extends through cooperating apertures therein and projects laterally there- 'from to act as a stabilizer and anchor when covered by dirt. The horizontal members 256, 257 diverge from the lower end of the diagonal member 255 and extend below the base rails 216a, 2161; and inwardly of the pool structure. Tubular braces 259, 261 extend downwardly from the apex posts 211 and connect to the horizontal tubular members 256, 257 adjacent the base rails 216a, 2161;. To cover the channel of the apex posts 211, a pair of generally channel-shaped cover elements 263, 265 are snapped into place thereover above and below the juncture with the diagonal tubular steel member 255.

The two apex posts 211 are tied together to function as a unit by the steel strap 267 which extends across the width of the structure and outwardly beneath the apex posts 211 and about the ends of the diagonal members 255 so that its ends are secured to the base or web thereof by the bolt fasteners 269. As best seen in FIGURE 7, lifting of the frame assembly is limited by a multiplicity of pressure plates 271 which have a flange 273 seated in the channels 226 of the base rails 214 and a relatively large pressure plate 275 which is disposed over the steel strap 267. Sand or dirt 277 is applied there over to press upon the base rail 214, and if so desired, the large 7 pad 275 may be bolted in position.

Thus, it can be seen that in this embodiment the base and top rails again are firmly secured to the apex posts 211 which in turn are firmly buttressed to resist deflection along its length and the two apex posts 211 are secured together to function as a unit in resisting pressures.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIGURES 8 and 9, therein illustrated is a structure suitable for pools containing a lesser volume of water. In this embodiment the base and top rails 314, 316 are identically configured and provide opposed channels 326 extending therealong which receive the side wall panel 308 (and the side wall portion 306 of the liner member 302). The base and top rails 314, 316 are secured together except at the intersections C and D by identical locking and aligning members generally designated by the numeral 330 which have body portions 332 which receive the tubular posts 340 and arm portions 334, 336 which telescopically receive the ends of the rails 314, 316. The posts 340 are releasably secured thereto by fasteners such as sheet metal screws 346 and a channel (not shown) is provided in the locking members 330 cooperating with the channel 326.

At the intersections C and D, an apex post 313 is provided as a part of 'a rectangular frame which is generally indicated by the numeral 315. The base rails 314a, 3141) and top rails 316a, 316b are secured to the apex post 313 by connecting members generally designated by the numeral 317 which have a body portion 331 and diverging arm portions 333, 335 which receive the ends thereof. A channel 321 extends along the length of the connecting members 317 and cooperates with the channel 326 in the base rails 314 and top rails 316. The apex post 313 is supported by the diagonal brace 341 which extends from a point intermediate its length to the outer end of the base element 343 of the frame 315. The top element 323 is reinforced and widened by side pieces 325 which extend to and are fastened to the upright element 327 of the frame 315. Metal .straps 349 are desirably employed to secure together various elements of the frame 315 and diagonal brace 341. To enhance the stability of the assembly, a pair of feet 329 are mounted on the upright member 327 of the frame 315 to bear 10 upon the ground and to be partially embedded therein. A deck element 331 is seated on the top rails 316a, 316b and frame 315 to provide a seat and cover the apex elements.

Extending between the apex posts 313 to tie them together for functioning as a unit is a steel strap 367 which extends below the liner members 302, base rails 314a, 3141) and connecting members 317. The strap 367 extends along the bottom surface of the base element 343 and upwardly along the outside surface of the upright element 327 to which it is secured by threaded fasteners 333.

As in the instance of the embodiment of FIGURES 6 and 7, the frame is restrained against lifting pressures by a multiplicity of pressure plates 371 which have a flange 373 seated in the channels 326 of the base rails 314 and a relatively large pressure plate 375 which is disposed over the steel strap 367. Sand or dirt 377 is applied thereover.

Turining now to the embodiments of FIGURES 10 and 11, therein illustrated is a relatively inexpensive structure suitable for use in pools of relatively short length and low height. A multiplicity of generally arcuate top and bottom rail members 400, 402 of identical configuration have a channel 404 therein which receives the side wall panel 406 (and the side wall portion 408 of the liner member 410). The top and bottom rails 400, 402 are connected and aligned in end-to-end relationship by tubular connecting members 412 which telescopically receive the ends thereof and have a channel (not shown) cooperating with the channel 404. The flattened ends of the tubular vertical posts 414 are frictionally received in the channels 404 of the rails 400, 402.

At the intersections C and D of the circular components A and B, the apex post comprises an elongated wooden member 416 which extends into the ground to a distance of about one-third its overall length and which has adjacent its lower end a pair of horizontally extending stabilizers 418 which are covered with dirt so as to more firmly anchor the base thereof. To provide additional stability and support for the apex post 416, a reversely bent tubular brace 420 is fastened to the outer surface thereof and desirably bears upon a hard relatively wide support such as the rock 422.

The top rails 400a, 40Gb and bottom r-ails 402a, 40% are secured to the apex post 416 by the apex connectors generally designated by the numeral 424 which have a channel-shaped body portion 426 which fits about the sides of the apex post 416 and tubular arm portions 428, 430 diverging therefrom which receive the end portions of the rails and have a channel 432 therein to receive the edges of the side wall panel 406. A seat and cover member 434 is fastened to the top of the apex post by nails 436 or other suit-able fasteners.

FIGURE 12 illustrates a further embodiment of construction in accordance with the present invention wherein three circular components A, B and C intersect at points D, E and F to form a trilobal curvilinear configuration. Here again, the horizontal support members must be coupled to the apex posts at the points of intersection D, E and F and diverge outwardly therefrom. In accordance with the preferred aspect of the present invention, the apex posts at the points of intersection D, E and F are tied together so as to function as a unit in resisting pressures upon the frame assembly.

In FIGURE 13: three circular components A, B and C are arranged with their centers in a line and therefore intersect at the four points D, E, F and G. In this embodiment, the opposing apex posts at the points of intersection D and E and F and G are desirably coupled so as to function as a unit.

It will be apparent that other configurations utilizing a plurality of circular components may be created such as a tetralobal design or one where four or more circular components are arranged with their centers in line or one wherein a configuration such as that in FIGURE 12 is elongated by having one of the lobes comprised of two intersecting circular components. In this manner, a deep diving well can be provided in one portion of the structure and a relatively shallow wading area may be provided in another portion of the structure.

In each of the several embodiments hereinbefore specifically described, the structure has a curvilinear peripheral configuration defined by a plurality of intersecting generally circular components and the chords defined by the points of intersection are of lesser length than the diameter of the circular components. The elongated horizontal support members are coupled to the vertical support members at the intersections to provide a firm assembly wherein the horizontal support members diverge outwardly from the vertical support members to form the walls of the circular components. Means are provided at the intersections to increase the ability of the vertical support members to resist deformation by the pressures exerted thereon, most desirably in the form of actual tie means between the vertical support members at the points of intersection, although external buttressing may also be employed.

Thus, it can be seen that the present invention provides a novel water-retaining recreational structure adapted to form an elongated configuration and which is easily assembled and highly rugged in construction. The structure of the present invention utilizes a rugged frame assembly of great strength capable of withstanding pressures upon the peripheral Wall exerted by volumes of water of relatively great height and is readily adaptable to variation in design to provide cross sections of various curvilinear patterns, thus enabling separate diving Wells and wading areas. The structure is readily assembled, relatively economical and simple to manufacture and may be readily disassembled for portage or storage.

Having thus described the invention, we claim:

1. A water-retaining, above ground prefabricated recreational structure adapted to be disassembled and having a curvilinear peripheral configuration defined by a plurality of generally circular components intersecting at apices, the chords extending between said apices being of lesser length than the diameter of the intersecting circular components, said recreational structure having a liner member of flexible, relatively watdrproof sheet material providing a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion extending about the periphery of said bottom wall portion; a relatively rigid, generally vertical support panel extending about the periphery of said liner side wall portion and closely adjacent thereto to provide a relatively rigid horizontal support therefor in said curvilinear peripheral configuration; a plurality of elongated horizontal support members extending in end-toend relationship about said liner member in said curvilinear configuration; vertical support members at said apices between said circular components extending vertically of the outer surface of said support panel; coupling means engaging the adjacent ends of horizontal support members with said vertical support members at said apices to provide a firm assembly thereof with said horizontal support members diverging outwardly from said vertical support members; and means at said vertical support members compensating against pressures thereon.

2. The water-retaining,recreational structure of claim 1 wherein said compensating means includes portions on said vertical support members at said apices extending substantially below said vertical support panel and adapted to extend into the ground, a tension member extending between said portions of said vertical support members adjacent said vertical support panel and a compression member extending therebetween adjacent the lower ends thereof.

3. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim ,1 wherein said compensating means includes portions on said vertical support members extending substantially below said vertical support panel and adapted to extend into the ground so as to be anchored therein, and brace member on said vertical support members extending outwardly therefrom and adapted to obtain support from the ground and buttress said support members.

4. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 3 wherein the portions of said vertical support members below said vertical support panel have laterally projecting elements adapted to more firmly seat the support member in the ground.

5. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 1 wherein tie means extend chordally between said vertical support members at said apices below said liner member.

6. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 1 wherein said compensating means includes outwardly projecting braces on said vertical support members at said apices and adapted to bear upon the ground and provide a buttress support therefor.

7. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 1 wherein said coupling means has a pair of diverging wing portions providing a generally V-shaped configuration and telescopically receiving the adjacent ends of horizontal support members and a central body portion engaged with the upper ends of said vertical support members at said intersections.

8. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 1 wherein said curvilinear peripheral configuration is defined by two apices at the generally circular components intersecting to provide a genenally figure-8 cross section.

9. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 1 wherein said curvilinear peripheral configuration is defined by at least three circular components having their centers arranged rectilinearly.

10. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 1 wherein said curvilinear peripheral configuration is defined by at least three circular components, one of said circular components intersecting two other circular components so that the centers thereof are disposed in a triangle to define a trilobal design.

11. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 10 wherein the compensating means includes tie members extending between said vertical support members at the apices at the intersections of said circular components.

12. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 1 wherein said horizontal support members extend above the upper and lower edges of said vertical support panel and have opposed channels therein receiving the edge portions of said vertical support panel.

13. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes seating portions on said vertical support members at the upper end thereof and depending retaining elements on the end portions of adjacent horizontal support members engaged in said Seating surface portions.

14. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 13 wherein said retaining elements on said end portions of said horizontal support members include depending portions formed on a locking member disposed thereabove and extending therethrough and wherein said coupling means includes cover members overlying the end portions of said adjacent horizontal support members and locking member with retaining means thereon engaged with said seating portion and horizontal support members to provide a firm assembly therewith.

15. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 1 wherein said vertical support members at said intersections are of generally I-shaped cross section providing inner and outer flanges and a web portion extending generally chordally of the circular components and wherein said coupling means includes elements mounted on said vertical post releasably engaging the adjacent ends of horizontal support members, and wherein said compensating means includes a portion on said vertical support member extending substantially below said vertical support panel and adapted to extend into the ground so as to be anchored therein, a tension member extending between said portions of said vertical support members at opposed apices below said liner member and a compression member extending therebetween adjacent the lower ends thereof.

16. A water-retaining, above ground prefabricated recreational structure adapted to be disassembled and having a curvilinear peripheral configuration defined by a plurality of generally circular components intersecting at apices, the chords extending between said apices being of lesser length than the diameter of the intersecting circular components, said recreational structure having a liner member of flexible, relatively waterproof sheet material providing a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion extending about the periphery of said bottom wall portion; a relatively rigid, generally vertical support panel extending about the periphery of said liner side wall portion and closely adjacent thereto to provide a relatively rigid horizontal support therefore in said curvilinear peripheral configuration; a plurality of elongated horizontal support members extending in end-to-end relationship about both the top and the bottom of said liner member and vertical support panel in said curvilinear configuration, said horizontal support members retaining said vertical support panel in assembly therewith; vertical support members at said circular components and at a multiplicity of points about the circumference of said circular components extending vertically of the outer surface of said support panel; coupling means engaging the adjacent ends of said top and bottom horizontal support members with said vertical support membus to provide a firm assembly thereof with said hori zontal support members diverging outwardly from said vertical support members at said apices; and means at said vertical support members at said apices compensating against pressures thereon including tie means extending chordally between said vertical support members at said apices and below said liner member.

17. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 16 wherein said vertical support members at said apices are of generally I-shaped cross section providing inner and outer flanges and a web portion extending generally chordally of the circular components and wherein said coupling means includes elements mounted on said vertical post releasably engaging the adjacent ends of horizontal support members, and wherein said compensating means includes a portion on said vertical support member extending substantially below said vertical support panel and adapted to extend into the ground so as to be anchored therein, a tension member extending between said portions of said vertical support members at opposed apices below said liner member and a compression member extending therebetween adjacent the lower ends thereof.

18. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 16 wherein said coupling means includes seating portions on said vertical support members at the upper end thereof and depending retaining elements on the end portions of adjacent horizontal support members engaged in said seating surface portions.

19. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 18 wherein said retaining elements on said end portions of said horizontal support members include depending portions formed on a locking member disposed thereabove and extending therethrough and wherein said coupling means includes cover members overlying the end portions of said adjacent horizontal support members and locking member with retaining means thereon engaged with said seating portion and horizontal support members to provide a firm assembly therewith.

20. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 16 wherein said vertical support members at said apices of said circular components extend below the horizontal support members at the bottom of said liner member and are adapted to extend into the ground and wherein said tie means includes a relatively rigid member extending between said portions of said vertical support members spaced below said bottom horizontal support members.

21. The water-retaining recreational structure of claim 16 wherein said curvilinear peripheral configuration is defined by a pair of generally circular components intersecting to form a Figure Eight pattern.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 488,451 12/ 1892 Quatermass 52-169 592,738 10/1897 Judson 52--169 1,233,080 7/1917 McClintock 52-169 1,652,415 12/1927 Schenker 52169 3,225,362 12/1965 Barrera 4172 3,233,251 2/1966 Barrera 4172 LAVERNE D. GEIGER, Primary Examiner.

H, ARTIS, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A WATER-RETAINING, ABOVE GROUND PREFABRICATED RECREATIONAL STRUCTURE ADAPTED TO BE DISASSEMBLED AND HAVING A CURVILINEAR PERIPHERAL CONFIGURATION DEFINED BY A PLURALITY OF GENERALLY CIRCULAR COMPONENTS INTERSECTING AT APICES, THE CHORDS EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID APICES BEING OF LESSER LENGTH THAN THE DIAMETER OF THE INTERSECTING CIRCULAR COMPONENTS, SAID RECREATIONAL STRUCTURE HAVING A LINER MEMBER OF FLEXIBLE, RELATIVELY WATERPROOF SHEET MATERIAL PROVIDIGN A BOTTOM WALL PORTION AND A SIDE WALL PORTION EXTENDING ABOUT THE PERIPHERY OF SAID BOTTOM WALL PORTION; A RELATIVELY RIGID, GENERALLY VERTICAL SUPPORT PANEL EXTENDING ABOUT THE PERIPHERY OF SAID LINER SIDE WALL PORTION AND CLOSELY ADJACENT THERETO TO PROVIDE A RELATIVELY RIGID HORIZONTAL SUPPORT THEREOF IN SAID CURVILINEAR PERIPHERAL CONFIGURATION; A PLURALITY OF ELONGATED HORIZONTAL SUPPORT MEMBERS EXTENDING IN END-TOEND RELATIONSHIP ABOUT SAID LINER MEMBER IN SAID CURVILINEAR CONFIGURATION; VERTICAL SUPPORT MEMBER AT SAID APICES BETWEEN SAID CIRCULAR COMPONENTS EXTENDING VERTICALLY OF THE OUTER SURFACE OF SAID SUPPORT PANEL; COUPLING MEANS ENGAGING THE ADJACENT ENDS OF HORIZONTAL SUPPORT MEMBERS WITH SAID VERTICAL SUPPORT MEMBERS AT SAID APICES TO PROVIDE A FIRM ASSEMBLY THEREOF WITH SAID HORIZONTAL SUPPORT MEMBERS DIVERGING OUTWARDLY FROM SAID VERTICAL SUPPORT MEMBERS; AND MEANS AT SAID VERTICAL SUPPORT MEMBERS COMPENSATING AGAINST PRESSURES THEREON. 